Glossary
We only want the best for you (and your skin), which is why full transparency is extremely important to us at Mother Dirt. This list includes all of the ingredients found in our products along with an explanation of their functions.
A
Acacia Senegal Gum
This natural polysaccharide from Acacia trees is a known prebiotic that also acts to thicken the product.
Arginine
This amino acid is a natural pH adjuster, meaning that it improves a formula's compatibility with the skin's physiological pH. It also moisturizes skin and supports skin barrier function.
Aspergillus Ferment
Postbiotic derived from sugar cane that hydrates, balances and conditions skin and hair.
Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter
Emollient obtained from the seeds of the tucuma tree. Rich in antioxidants, it protects and moisturizes skin, adds shine to hair and helps protect from breakage.
ASTROCARYUM VULGARE KERNEL OIL
Emollient obtained from the seeds of the tucuma tree. Rich in antioxidants, it protects and moisturizes skin.
AVENA SATIVA (OAT) KERNEL OIL
Natural oil from oat kernels, helps soothe and moisturize sensitive skin.
B
Bacillus Ferment
Postbiotic that maintains a balanced the microbiome.
Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate
A natural, biodegradable emulsifier and conditioning agent. It helps smooth and detangle hair.
Butylene glycol
A humectant used to solubilize the active ingredients in our product.
Butyl avocadate
A lightweight emollient derived from avocado oil that has been shown to help minimize sebum production.
Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter
A natural emollient extracted from nuts of the African Shea tree. Shea butter melts at body temperature, allowing it soften and moisturize dry skin.
C
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
An emollient derived from coconut oil that softens and replenishes skin.
Cellulose
Plant polysaccharide serving as a matrix for the sustained release of salicylic acid.
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol, emollient, and emulsifier derived from palm or coconut. It adds structure and thickness to our products, and helps condition hair.
Cetearyl glucoside
A naturally derived emulsifying agent to keep the formula stable.
CITRAL
Adds natural fragrance.
Citric Acid
A natural pH adjuster, meaning that it improves a formula's compatibility with the skin's physiological pH.
Coco-Glucoside
A natural, ultra-gentle and biodegradable cleansing agent.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
A skin and scalp conditioner derived from coconut fruit boasting antifungal properties.
COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL
Natural oil obtained from coconut that melts at body temperature to soothe and moisturize skin.
COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX
Derived from the Carnauba palm, this natural wax adds structure and texture to our products
CRAMBE ABYSSINICA SEED OIL
Rich in omega fatty acids, this natural oil helps soften and moisturize dry skin.
CYMBOPOGON FLEXUOSUS (LEMONGRASS) LEAF OIL
Adds natural fragrance.
CYMBOPOGON SCHOENANTHUS EXTRACT
An extract from the lemongrass plant the helps refresh and moisturize the skin.
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar) gum
This natural polysaccharide from guar beans helps to thicken the product.
D
Dextran Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
A cationic polysaccharide that helps condition hair.
Dipropylene glycol
A humectant used to solubilize the active ingredients in our product.
E
Ethyl Linoleate
An oil soluble form of linoleic acid, this emollient helps maintain a healthy skin barrier function.
Ethyl Macadamiate
Naturally derived from Macadamia seeds, this lightweight emollient leaves a silky smooth after-feel similar to silicones.
EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX
Derived from the leaves of the Candelilla shrub, this natural wax adds structure and texture to our products
F
FAEX (YEAST) EXTRACT
A probiotic extract that helps balance the microbiome by acting as food for good bacteria.
G
GERANIOL
Adds natural fragrance.
Glucomannan
A biodegradable gelling agent and moisturizer derived from konjac root.
Glycerin
A plant derived humectant that helps draw moisture into the skin.
GLYCERYL OLEATE
Derived from natural oils, this co-emulsifier helps improve product stability.
Glycolipids
A mild, postbiotic cleansing agent or emulsifier that leaves skin clean without feeling stripped.
H
HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL
A natural oil that softens and conditions skin.
HEPTYL UNDECYLENATE
A plant-derived, lightweight emollient that reduces greasiness.
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
A highly substantive emollient derived from jojoba oil, it increases hydration to moisturize dry skin.
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin
A naturally derived oligosaccharide used to improve the water-solubility of some active ingredients.
Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate
A naturally derived starch used to help thicken the formula and leave a soft feel on skin.
I
Inulin
Prebiotic derived from chicory root that condition skin and hair while helping feed good bacteria.
Inulin lauryl carbamate
A naturally-derived polymer created from inulin that acts as an emulsifier to help stabilize the formula.
ISOAMYL COCOATE
Natural alternative to silicone, this lightweight emollient softens and conditions hair and skin.
Isoamyl Laurate
Natural alternative to silicone, this lightweight emollient softens and conditions hair and skin.
J
Jojoba Esters
Derived from the jojoba plant, this skin-friendly emollient helps lock in moisture.
L
Lactic Acid
A natural pH adjuster, meaning that it improves a formula's compatibility with the skin's physiological pH.
Lactobacillus
This postbiotic -- a source of antimicrobial peptides -- provides all-natural product preservation while locking in moisture and helping maintain a healthy microbiome.
Lactobacillus Ferment
This postbiotic -- a source of antimicrobial peptides -- provides all-natural product preservation while locking in moisture and helping maintain a healthy microbiome.
Lauramidopropyl Betaine
A biodegradable cleansing agent.
LAURYL LAURATE
A fast melting oil that gives a dry feel on skin; we use it in our products to ensure the products don't have a greasy after feel.
LIMONENE
Adds natural fragrance.
Linoleic Acid
Also known as Omega-6, this fatty acid is essential for healthy skin.
M
MALTODEXTRIN
Prebiotic carbohydrate that helps improve lather and skin feel.
MARANTA ARUNDINACEA (ARROWROOT) ROOT POWDER
A natural starch that absorbs sweat and moisture.
N
Nitrosomonas Eutropha
Also known as Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB). It is a live and active culture derived from soil that balances and restores the skin microbiome.
O
Olea Europaea (olive) leaf extract
An antioxidant from olive leaves, standardized in Oleanolic Extract, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN EXTRACT
One component of a blend of natural antioxidants to neutralize aging free-radicals. Also helps maintain the integrity of our natural oils.
P
PCA Glyceryl Oleate
Hair conditioner with anti-static and refatting properties.
Phospholipids
A major component of your skin's cell membranes, phospholipids are a natural emulsifier that help lock in moisture.
Phytosterols
Plant equivalents of cholesterol, phytosterols improve skin barrier function to keep water in the skin.
Pinus densiflora leaf extract
An extract from Korean Red Pine, known for it's antimicrobial benefits.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
A gentle, biodegradable emulsifier derived from RSPO palm.
Propanediol
A naturally derived humectant used to solubilize the active ingredients in our product.
PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL
Natural oil rich in oleic acid softens and conditions hair and skin.
PRUNUS ARMENIACA (APRICOT) KERNEL OIL
Rich in essential fatty acids, helps nourish dry skin to keep it soft and radiant.
R
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helps balance and soothe the skin while providing a light natural fragrance to our products.
ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT
A natural antioxidant to neutralize aging free-radicals. Also helps maintain the integrity of our natural oils.
S
Saccharide Isomerate
A plant derived polysaccharide that provides lasting hydration to dry skin.
Saccharomyces Ferment
A naturally derived postbiotic, this fast-absorbing emollient helps soften and moisturize dry skin.
Salicylic Acid
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and active ingredient that helps treat acne by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear.
Sclerotium Gum
A postbiotic polysaccharide produced by the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. It provides a silicone like feel while helping to thicken the product.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Obtained from jojoba plant's seeds, it is an emollient that helps soften and condition hair and skin.
SODIUM BICARBONATE
Also known as baking soda, helps absorb sweat and neutralize odor.
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
A naturally derived, gentle, sugar-based surfactant.
SOLANUM TUBEROSUM (POTATO) STARCH
A natural starch that absorbs sweat and moisture.
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
A naturally-derived surfactant used to solubilize the aromatic extracts that fragrance our product.
Squalane
An emollient which works by mimicking the skin's natural oils to hydrate and help protect the skin and scalp from environmental aggressors.
Sucrose Polystearate
A naturally derived emulsifying agent to keep the formula stable.
Sucrose Stearate
A naturally derived emulsifying agent to keep the formula stable.
T
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
A natural mineral that acts as an opacifying agent to help even skin tone.
Tocopherol
Also known as vitamin E, this antioxidant helps protect, repair, and restore the skin.
V
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
An emollient, hair conditioner, and moisturizer derived from grapeseed.
W
Water
Making up over 60% of our skin, water is the key to hydration, and acts as a solvent for many of our product's other ingredients.
X
Xanthan gum
A postbiotic polysaccharide produced by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris. It is used to thicken the product.
Our Active
Probiotic System
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